Islanders look for big bounce back performance in Game 3
If there was ever a perfect time for a perfect bounce back performance, it would be tonight for the Charlottetown Islanders.
After a humbling defeat on Wednesday night at the hands of the Victoriaville Tigres in Game 2, the Islanders will set out to prove in Game 3 that it was nothing but a blip on the radar in their pursuit of their first President Cup title.
While Charlottetown started the game well, they couldn’t keep up with the Tigres after they potted their first goal on their first shot of the game. Victoriaville would rattle off five straight goals before the Islanders could capitalize midway through the second period. Even then, it wouldn’t be enough as the Tigres would eventually take the win by a 9-2 score.
“We shot ourselves in the foot too many times and credit to them, they capitalized,” said Isles forward Thomas Casey following Wednesday’s game.
Isles starter Colten Ellis was given the hook after the end of the first period after giving up four goals on seventeen shots in just 20 minutes of play. Despite that, Isles head coach Jim Hulton’s confidence in his star netminder didn’t waver, even doubling down on the St. Louis Blues prospect to have a big rebound performance when asked who his starter would be for Game 3.
“Colten Ellis. First star. Write it down.”
To his credit, Ellis has a strong playoff track record, having recorded a .907 save percentage and 11 career playoff victories coming into this series.
In the other crease, Victoriaville made the rather surprising decision to start Fabio Iacobo in place of Nikolas Hurtubise in Game 2. While Iacobo hadn’t played a minute of hockey since mid-March, the move seemed to pay off; Iacobo made 17 saves en route to the victory. Who gets the start tonight remains to be seen.
While Victoriaville’s depth carried them to the victory Wednesday, it was one of the men at the top of the lineup that has led the charge all series long. Benjamin Tardif recorded a hat trick en route to being the first star in Game 2. The overage forward now has five goals in the first two games of the series. The Tigres will hope that Tardif’s success continues to carry over as the series rolls on.
Watch tonight’s game live on Eastlink Community TV, or join George Matthews and Cory Arsenault on Ocean 100! We’ll also be set-up at the PEI Brewing Company for another Playoff Watch Party! 100% of the proceeds from the door will be benefitting a local Island charity. Purchase your ticket by clicking HERE.
